Victorio Salinas is a chemistry teacher at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, and as the school year comes to an end, he reflects on his experiences teaching. However, becoming a chemistry teacher was not in his books.
“I have always wanted to become a teacher.” said Salinas, “I became a Chemistry teacher by default; I never wanted to become a chemistry teacher.” Sometimes, life has a funny way of leading us to where we need to be.
Looking back at his early days of teaching, he recalls his transition from CCC (College and Career Center) to JCECHS, he explains, “I moved from CCC to Jimmy Carter because I wanted to teach a class, and the classes I was teaching were filled with great students.” Said Salinas.
Despite the challenges that come with teaching, and asking him why he still teaches, his answer was straightforward, “I enjoy teaching students who like to learn and love gaining insight into their experiences.” Said Salinas.
Being a teacher might seem like a “go-lucky” job, only having to teach and grade papers as many students as I would’ve thought. But that is not always the case; Salinas said, “sometimes I regret becoming a teacher because of the documentation that is required of teachers today.”
“Every time I have that regret, a student shows me why I became a teacher and rejuvenates my passion.” Said Salinas.
Along with that, he expresses his frustration and gratitude as I ask him both his hardest and proudest moments of being a teacher.
“At the end of the year, when the students have checked out, they do not want to work, no matter what strategies we use.” He explains, “But my proudest moment is waiting for my students to graduate, even coming back to the district and teaching,” Salinas said.
For him, teaching isn’t just a job—it’s his passion. Inspired by his students’ potential, he remains committed to shaping futures. With each day’s end, he’s reminded of the heartfelt impact of education and the joy it brings.